Bulk materials, which are transported on continuous conveyors, partly have a high energy content, depending on the specified mass flow and the conveying velocity. At discharge points to a storage area or at transfer points from one conveyor to another, the energy content often increases due to the elevation of the discharge conveyor. At these points it is possible to recover a large part of the energy due to the mass flow (conveying velocity) and the drop height of the bulk material. This energy is usually converted into "wear" of the conveying system or the bulk material at discharge or transfer points. Furthermore, it is available free of charge and could be used to achieve more environmentally friendly continuous conveying systems. This research paper is focused on a new method which has been developed and patented by the "Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics - Conveying Technology and Design Methods" at the Montanuniversität Leoben / Austria. This invention makes it possible to recover a large part of the above mentioned energy. The invented so-called "Solid State Material Driven Turbine" allows the recovery of this energy directly to the conveying system using a traction drive, or to the electric circuit using a generator. The paper describes the new method and presents turbine prototypes that have been designed using simulations and tested under laboratory condition and in operational trials. Additionally, a discussion concerning the costs and economical aspects of the invention is included. For a special application of such a turbine a permanent magnetic safety coupling can be used. First test results of such a coupling are presented. The paper also includes layout criteria for an overshot "Solid State Material Driven Turbine". All executed experiments showed, that a recovery of energy from moving bulk materials using a "Solid State Material Driven Turbine" is possible. An efficiency of more than 50% can be realised. The occurred challenges during the tests phase under real conditions can be managed effortlessly.